MSU and Nitrogen Fertilizers

This is a discussion on MSU and Nitrogen Fertilizers within the General Orchid Culture forums, part of the Orchid Culture category; So, I have been reading up on a couple of my species orchids (mostly aerangis ...

MSU and Nitrogen Fertilizers

So, I have been reading up on a couple of my species orchids (mostly aerangis and angreacum) and several sources recommend using a higher nitrogen fertilizer during part of the year. Do any of you do this? Have you found it to be effective?

Also, I have also read a lot about the MSU formulation, but I've never tried it. I know I am behind the times, since the study came out in 2003. :-) I was curious what your experience has been with the MSU fertilizer as well.

I use a balanced fertilizer (DynaGrow Grow) most of the year and (Dyna Grow Bloom) on my phals in their blooming season.

I have written this comment before, so I apologize up front for being boring. I'm beginning to personally believe that it doesn't make too much difference who's food you use EXCEPT those that have a urea source for the N. I killed more plants using urea-based food than I do now using non urea-based food. I do think it makes a difference changing formulations seasonally. I just heard a speaker (PhD in plant something or other)address this very issue. Specifically with phals you have to make the change early enough because once they set their internal flowering clock it's a day late. The MSU stuff is very good but more expensive and not as available as a similar product that can be purchased at the big box store for 1/2 the price where they wear the blue bibs (if you get my point). I do change formulations and have noticed a major difference. My spikes are taller, there is more branching and more flowers. This is my evaluation for me and if some others reading this have a method that works for them, great because in the final evaluation if it works for you, don't stop

I've decided io just need to do an experiment
aybe get several of the sme plant (probably phals since they are generaaly cheaper) and then use different fertilizer mixes and see what happens. In my spare time...

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